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Brain Sciences
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Brain Mechanism of Hypnosis
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Brain Mechanism of Hypnosis

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Neuropsychology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 May 2024) | Viewed by 13922

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Giuseppe De Benedittis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Interdepartmental Pain Center, Pathophysiology and Transplants, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
Interests: hypnosis; pain; hypnotic analgesia; neurophysiology of hypnosis; fibromyalgia

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Hypnosis is an area of scientific inquiry and clinical practice that dates back over 250 years. Although it has remained an elusive concept for science for a long time, explosive advances in neuroscience in recent decades have provided a "bridge of understanding" between classical neurophysiological studies and psychophysiological studies of cognitive, affective, and sensory systems. These studies have shed new light on the neural bases of the hypnotic experience, enabling neuroscience to consider and use hypnosis as a viable and appropriate tool to explore and modulate complex human behavior and experience, such as pain.

With the use of neuroscientific techniques, hypnosis can be probed into brain mechanisms, and reciprocally, serve as a means of studying hypnosis itself. Neuroscientists have identified intriguing domains of investigation such as attentional processes, processing and control of pain, as well as the investigations of mnestic processes, and conscious and unconscious processes.

Moreover, a new area of research aims to map the core processes of psychotherapy and the neurobiology underlying them. Hypnosis research offers powerful techniques to isolate psychological processes, allowing their neural bases to be mapped, enhancing research and clinical applications.

The current Special Issue aims to gather recent studies and findings on the neural bases of hypnosis, providing new mechanistic insights on some of the most prominent brain mechanisms of hypnosis from a neurophysiological and neurocognitive perspective.

We invite papers on two types of research:

  • intrinsic research concerned with the functional anatomy of hypnosis per se, the so-called 'neutral hypnosis,' or 'default hypnosis,' and the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying hypnotic experience in dynamic conditions;
  • instrumental research, or extrinsic studies, which use hypnosis and suggestion to study a wide range of cognitive and emotional processes and create 'virtual analogues' of neurological and psychopathological conditions for elucidating their underpinnings and positively transforming treatment approaches.

Dr. Giuseppe De Benedittis
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Brain Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • hypnosis
  • brain mechanisms
  • neuroimaging studies
  • EEG studies
  • neurostimulation studies
  • neurochemical studies
  • hypnotizability
  • hypnotic analgesia
  • neurocognitive studies

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 235 KiB  
Article
The Role of Ibuprofen and Midazolam in Pediatric Dentistry: A Retrospective Study and Neurophysiological Considerations
by Jan Rienhoff, Christian H. Splieth, Jacobus S. J. Veerkamp, Janneke B. Krikken, Sabine Rienhoff, Ulrike Halsband and Thomas Gerhard Wolf
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(11), 1073; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14111073 - 28 Oct 2024
Viewed by 527
Abstract
Background: Managing anxiety and behavior during pediatric dental procedures is challenging. This study examines the effects of combining ibuprofen with midazolam sedation using both behavioral management and clinical hypnosis to improve patient cooperation and reduce post-treatment pain. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of [...] Read more.
Background: Managing anxiety and behavior during pediatric dental procedures is challenging. This study examines the effects of combining ibuprofen with midazolam sedation using both behavioral management and clinical hypnosis to improve patient cooperation and reduce post-treatment pain. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 311 children (mean age 74.2 months, standard deviation (SD) = 24.7) was conducted. Patients received either midazolam with ibuprofen (n = 156) or midazolam only (n = 155). Behavior was assessed using the Venham Behavior Rating Scale and anxiety with the Dental Subscale of Children’s Fear Survey Schedule (CFSS-DS) and the Inventory of Stressful Situations (ISS) questionnaires. Statistical analyses included Mann–Whitney U tests and correlation analyses. Results: Ibuprofen did not significantly improve behavior during procedures (drinking phase 0.61, SD 1.31, p = 0.13; before treatment 0.25, SD 0.93, p = 0.53, anesthesia 1.21, SD 1.55, p = 0.29; after treatment 0.51, SD 1.22, p = 0.68), indicating that pharmacological pain management alone is insufficient to address behavioral challenges. Ibuprofen significantly reduced post-treatment pain, with 7.2% of cases reporting pain in the non-ibuprofen group compared to none in the ibuprofen group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Ibuprofen had no effect on intraoperative behavior and only a limited effect on post-procedural pain, mainly for more invasive procedures. This study highlights the integration of sedation with behavioral strategies, such as clinical hypnosis, to manage anxiety and improve patient cooperation, aiming to enhance treatment outcomes using this integrative approach to pediatric dentistry. Further research is needed to optimize these strategies and verify them in a prospective setting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Mechanism of Hypnosis)
14 pages, 3655 KiB  
Article
Exploring Electrophysiological Responses to Hypnosis in Patients with Fibromyalgia
by Pradeep Kumar Govindaiah, A. Adarsh, Rajanikant Panda, Olivia Gosseries, Nicole Malaise, Irène Salamun, Luaba Tshibanda, Steven Laureys, Vincent Bonhomme, Marie-Elisabeth Faymonville, Audrey Vanhaudenhuyse and Aminata Bicego
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(11), 1047; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14111047 - 23 Oct 2024
Viewed by 615
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Hypnosis shows great potential for managing patients suffering from fibromyalgia and chronic pain. Several studies have highlighted its efficacy in improving pain, quality of life, and reducing psychological distress. Despite its known feasibility and efficacy, the mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Hypnosis shows great potential for managing patients suffering from fibromyalgia and chronic pain. Several studies have highlighted its efficacy in improving pain, quality of life, and reducing psychological distress. Despite its known feasibility and efficacy, the mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. Building on these insights, this innovative study aims to assess neural activity during hypnosis in fibromyalgia patients using high-density electroencephalography (EEG) and self-reported measures. Methods: Thirteen participants with fibromyalgia were included in this study. EEG recordings were done during resting state and hypnosis conditions. After both conditions, levels of pain, comfort, absorption, and dissociation were assessed using a numerical rating scale. Time perception was collected via an open-ended question. The study was prospectively registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov public registry (NCT04263324). Results: Neural oscillations showed increased theta power during hypnosis in the left parietal and occipital electrodes, increased beta power in the frontal and left temporal electrodes, and increased slow-gamma power in the frontal and left parietal electrodes. Functional connectivity using pairwise-phase consistency measures showed decreased connectivity in the frontal electrodes during hypnosis. Graph-based measures, the node strength, and the cluster coefficient were lower in frontal electrodes in the slow-gamma bands during hypnosis compared to resting state. Key findings indicate significant changes in neural oscillations and brain functional connectivity, suggesting potential electrophysiological markers of hypnosis in this patient population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Mechanism of Hypnosis)
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14 pages, 1075 KiB  
Article
Ongoing Dynamics of Peak Alpha Frequency Characterize Hypnotic Induction in Highly Hypnotic-Susceptible Individuals
by Mathieu Landry, Jason da Silva Castanheira, Floriane Rousseaux, Pierre Rainville, David Ogez and Karim Jerbi
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(9), 883; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14090883 - 30 Aug 2024
Viewed by 724
Abstract
Hypnotic phenomena exhibit significant inter-individual variability, with some individuals consistently demonstrating efficient responses to hypnotic suggestions, while others show limited susceptibility. Recent neurophysiological studies have added to a growing body of research that shows variability in hypnotic susceptibility is linked to distinct neural [...] Read more.
Hypnotic phenomena exhibit significant inter-individual variability, with some individuals consistently demonstrating efficient responses to hypnotic suggestions, while others show limited susceptibility. Recent neurophysiological studies have added to a growing body of research that shows variability in hypnotic susceptibility is linked to distinct neural characteristics. Building on this foundation, our previous work identified that individuals with high and low hypnotic susceptibility can be differentiated based on the arrhythmic activity observed in resting-state electrophysiology (rs-EEG) outside of hypnosis. However, because previous work has largely focused on mean spectral characteristics, our understanding of the variability over time of these features, and how they relate to hypnotic susceptibility, is still limited. Here we address this gap using a time-resolved assessment of rhythmic alpha peaks and arrhythmic components of the EEG spectrum both prior to and following hypnotic induction. Using multivariate pattern classification, we investigated whether these neural features differ between individuals with high and low susceptibility to hypnosis. Specifically, we used multivariate pattern classification to investigate whether these non-stationary neural features could distinguish between individuals with high and low susceptibility to hypnosis before and after a hypnotic induction. Our analytical approach focused on time-resolved spectral decomposition to capture the intricate dynamics of neural oscillations and their non-oscillatory counterpart, as well as Lempel–Ziv complexity. Our results show that variations in the alpha center frequency are indicative of hypnotic susceptibility, but this discrimination is only evident during hypnosis. Highly hypnotic-susceptible individuals exhibit higher variability in alpha peak center frequency. These findings underscore how dynamic changes in neural states related to alpha peak frequency represent a central neurophysiological feature of hypnosis and hypnotic susceptibility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Mechanism of Hypnosis)
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Review

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13 pages, 266 KiB  
Review
The Role of Electroencephalogram-Assessed Bandwidth Power in Response to Hypnotic Analgesia
by Mark P. Jensen and Tyler D. Barrett
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(6), 557; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14060557 - 30 May 2024
Viewed by 696
Abstract
Research supports the efficacy of therapeutic hypnosis for reducing acute and chronic pain. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying these effects. This paper provides a review of the evidence regarding the role that electroencephalogram-assessed bandwidth power has in identifying who might [...] Read more.
Research supports the efficacy of therapeutic hypnosis for reducing acute and chronic pain. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying these effects. This paper provides a review of the evidence regarding the role that electroencephalogram-assessed bandwidth power has in identifying who might benefit the most from hypnotic analgesia and how these effects occur. Findings are discussed in terms of the slow wave hypothesis, which posits that brain activity in slower bandwidths (e.g., theta and alpha) can facilitate hypnosis responsivity. Although the extant research is limited by small sample sizes, the findings from this research are generally consistent with the slow wave hypothesis. More research, including and especially studies with larger sample sizes, is needed to confirm these preliminary positive findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Mechanism of Hypnosis)
13 pages, 268 KiB  
Review
Hypnotic Modulation of Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Activity
by Giuseppe De Benedittis
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(3), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14030249 - 4 Mar 2024
Viewed by 3182
Abstract
Hypnosis, a time-honored therapeutic approach, has gained widespread recognition for its effectiveness in addressing a range of psychological and somatic disorders. While its primary effects are mediated by central top–down mechanisms, hypnosis also exerts peripheral influence by modulating the autonomic nervous system (ANS). [...] Read more.
Hypnosis, a time-honored therapeutic approach, has gained widespread recognition for its effectiveness in addressing a range of psychological and somatic disorders. While its primary effects are mediated by central top–down mechanisms, hypnosis also exerts peripheral influence by modulating the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Psychophysiological measures, such as heart rate (HR) and its variability (HRV), electrodermal activity (EDA), respiratory rate (RR), and the analgesia nociceptive index (ANI), serve as reliable indicators of ANS activity. Studies have consistently demonstrated hypnosis’ ability to significantly impact ANS functions, lowering sympathetic activity and enhancing parasympathetic tone. This effect is particularly pronounced during relaxation procedures and is influenced by mediating factors like hypnotizability and task conditions. Despite methodological limitations, this review highlights the potential of enhanced ANS modulation through hypnosis, including its connections to the central nervous system (CNS), to optimize therapeutic outcomes in patients with psychosomatic disorders associated with ANS dysfunction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Mechanism of Hypnosis)
41 pages, 911 KiB  
Review
Brain Functional Correlates of Resting Hypnosis and Hypnotizability: A Review
by Vilfredo De Pascalis
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(2), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14020115 - 24 Jan 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4387
Abstract
This comprehensive review delves into the cognitive neuroscience of hypnosis and variations in hypnotizability by examining research employing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and electroencephalography (EEG) methods. Key focus areas include functional brain imaging correlations in hypnosis, EEG band [...] Read more.
This comprehensive review delves into the cognitive neuroscience of hypnosis and variations in hypnotizability by examining research employing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and electroencephalography (EEG) methods. Key focus areas include functional brain imaging correlations in hypnosis, EEG band oscillations as indicators of hypnotic states, alterations in EEG functional connectivity during hypnosis and wakefulness, drawing critical conclusions, and suggesting future research directions. The reviewed functional connectivity findings support the notion that disruptions in the available integration between different components of the executive control network during hypnosis may correspond to altered subjective appraisals of the agency during the hypnotic response, as per dissociated and cold control theories of hypnosis. A promising exploration avenue involves investigating how frontal lobes’ neurochemical and aperiodic components of the EEG activity at waking-rest are linked to individual differences in hypnotizability. Future studies investigating the effects of hypnosis on brain function should prioritize examining distinctive activation patterns across various neural networks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Mechanism of Hypnosis)
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12 pages, 761 KiB  
Review
Physiological Correlates of Hypnotizability: Hypnotic Behaviour and Prognostic Role in Medicine
by Eleonora Malloggi and Enrica L. Santarcangelo
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(12), 1632; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13121632 - 24 Nov 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1535
Abstract
Studies in the field of experimental hypnosis highlighted the role of hypnotizability in the physiological variability of the general population. It is associated, in fact, with a few differences which are observable in the ordinary state of consciousness and in the absence of [...] Read more.
Studies in the field of experimental hypnosis highlighted the role of hypnotizability in the physiological variability of the general population. It is associated, in fact, with a few differences which are observable in the ordinary state of consciousness and in the absence of suggestions. The aim of the present scoping review is summarizing them and indicate their relevance to the neural mechanisms of hypnosis and to the prognosis and treatment of a few medical conditions. Individuals with high, medium and low hypnotizability scores display different cerebral functional differences—i.e., functional equivalence between imagery and perception/action, excitability of the motor cortex, interoceptive accuracy—possibly related to brain structural and functional characteristics, and different control of blood supply at peripheral and cerebral level, likely due to different availability of endothelial nitric oxide. These differences are reviewed to support the idea of their participation in hypnotic behaviour and to indicate their prognostic and therapeutic usefulness in a few medical conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Mechanism of Hypnosis)
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Other

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11 pages, 214 KiB  
Technical Note
Calm Contact Technique Based on the Endocrinological Mechanism of Hypnosis—A Theoretical Proposal
by Katalin Varga and Zita S. Nagy
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(1), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14010083 - 15 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1454
Abstract
This paper proposes the “calm contact” technique: an imaginative scenario where someone is in gentle contact with a loved one where the essence of the experience is to enjoy safety and calmness in peaceful social contact. The theoretical background is outlined by combining [...] Read more.
This paper proposes the “calm contact” technique: an imaginative scenario where someone is in gentle contact with a loved one where the essence of the experience is to enjoy safety and calmness in peaceful social contact. The theoretical background is outlined by combining the brain mechanisms of stress reactions and hypnosis. In addition to the ancient stress responses (flight or fight or freeze), there are oxytocin-based options at the human level: tend and befriend behavior and the state of calm and connection, which is not a stress reaction but a resting reaction. These social-based reactions could prevent the organism from the primitive freezing response. Some studies proved that “hypnosis” as a setting reduces cortisol levels and could raise oxytocin levels. The beneficial mechanisms of the “calm contact” technique are analyzed in relation to “social support” and the psychoaffective effects of central oxytocin. The subjective effects of the proposed technique are outlined based on reports of healthy volunteers. The “calm contact” technique could be an alternative or adjunct to the “safe place” technique, applying the recent findings of endocrinological brain mechanisms of hypnosis. Clinical implications and limitations are briefly summarized. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Mechanism of Hypnosis)
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